Inconsistent Tigers, unbeaten Mustangs battle for pride

After a poor second-half showing in the opener with Wichita Falls Rider - the Raiders turned four Tigers turnovers into a 31-7 win - Frenship was poised for a better second half in its home opener last week against Odessa. But lightning forced two postponements and a cancellation of the second half of the game.

In other words, that black cloud hanging over the Tigers (1-1) for two weeks isn't just a simple thunderstorm.

Jim Jarret / Staff

Frenship's Eddrick Wiggins avoids the tackle of a Wichita Falls Rider defender during the Tigers' Aug. 31 game in Abilene. Wiggins and the rest of the Tigers host Coronado today at 7:30 at Tiger Stadium.

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"It's a little frustrating, but we had a good week of practice and I think we're going to move the ball a lot better this week," quarterback Matt Hill said. "We just have to keep our heads up and keep improving. It seems like there's been a little bit of confusion and the new guys on the offensive line haven't gotten into the swing of things. But every day in practice things like that are getting better."

TALE OF THE TAPE

Coronado (2-0) vs. Frenship (1-1)7:30 p.m., Tiger Stadium

Coronado Category Frenship

379.5 Total offense 217.0

349.0 Total defense 139.0

38.0 Points scored 7.0

14.0 Points allowed 16.5

QB Austin Zouzalik Player to watch RB Michael Connor

(557 passing yards, 4 TDs) (198 rushing yards, 0 TDs)

Coronado vs. Frenship

(Coronado leads series 9-2)

Year Winner Score

1990 Coronado 13-6

1991 Coronado 28-6

1992 Coronado 41-17

1993 Coronado 34-0

1996 Coronado 44-14

1997 Coronado 35-14

2002 Frenship 20-6

2003 Coronado 31-24

2004 Coronado 24-17

2005 Frenship 49-30

2006 Coronado 35-21

Finding an offensive rhythm and maintaining it for four quarters will be crucial for the Tigers this week as they face a tough non-district rival in Coronado (2-0). The Mustangs have had little problem finding a rhythm or identity through the first two weeks of the season.

"I think a lot of it is confidence," receiver Landon Quigley said. "I don't know if it's just us being seniors, but the camaraderie of the team has definitely increased (from last year). The last two weeks and even against Permian in our scrimmage we've known what to do and known how to play together, and I think a big part of it has been preparation."

For the Mustangs, preparation has met execution to the tune of wins over two playoff teams in El Paso Montwood and Plainview. As expected, Coronado has displayed its high-powered passing game in both instances, averaging 38 points per game. Quarterback Austin Zouzalik leads the area in passing yardage and has thrown four touchdowns, and Quigley and Kholbye Walker each have more than 120 receiving yards.

But it's been the defense that has shown the most improvement for the Mustangs, holding teams at bay and forcing turnovers.

"Last week ... when the momentum was swinging the other way, they came out and got a three and out, and it was important for them to be able to do that," Coronado coach Butch Henderson said. "There's a lot of fight there, and they're making key plays at key times. But what you're talking about is momentum shifts, and they're not only making plays but the timing of making the plays is what really makes a difference."

Making plays, at least on a consistent basis, has been a struggle for the Tigers this year.

Rider's defense and too many turnovers kept it from happening in Week 0, and playing only two quarters against Odessa was the culprit last week, although Frenship did have a punt return for a touchdown called back.

Overall, the Tigers have scored just two touchdowns in six quarters this season.

Frenship's lone TD against the Bronchos was a touchdown pass from Hill to Jordan Richburg, giving the Tigers at least a threat of a passing game. But not playing the final two quarters was most disappointing to coach Brad Davis because of the adjustments made at halftime.

"We felt like right before the half against Odessa we were starting to get into a rhythm," Davis said. "Our defense was playing great and in the second half we had some stuff we felt would work and were going to be in a rhythm offensively. We never got the opportunity, so carrying that over to Coronado is crucial."

Coronado's key task will be the same as it was for Rider and Odessa, keeping talented running back Michael Connor out of the end zone. The senior three-year starter is just shy of 200 rushing yards on the year but has yet to find the end zone this season.

"Our offense is getting into the swing and we feel like we should be able to score on them," Hill said. "We're excited to go out there and try to put some points on the board."